Regional politicians get overly excited with the possibilities of going green – even when the perception doesn’t line up with reality

BC: Taxpayers Feel Pain of Politicians Going ‘Green’

Whether it is the $783 million sewage treatment plant in Greater Victoria, the $450 million waste incinerator in Metro Vancouver or the $3 billion subway line to Vancouver’s University of British Columbia campus, these projects are nowhere near as environmentally green as politicians claim them to be.

Regional politicians seem more concerned than ever with looking green – all while sucking more green out of taxpayers’ pockets.

In Victoria, politicians were shamed into approving a $783 million sewage treatment plant – paid for in equal parts by federal, provincial and capital region taxpayers – by Mr. Floatie, a guy dressed up like poop. That translates into $240 to $391 extra in annual tax bills for Greater Victoria residents – just for this one plant.

But the ultra expensive plant may not even be necessary. In fact, scientists say the money is being spent due to perception, not need: “Despite scientific evidence that there are no major environmental or human health impacts, this discharge of ‘untreated’ sewage has been a constant irritation to the city’s U.S. neighbours and to environmental groups.”

Dr. Tom Pedersen of the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions has made a compelling case against the plant, noting the current discharge of sewage into the ocean is a “tiny pinprick of nutrient-laden, organic sewage… and Mother Nature’s really good at processing that.” Still, regional politicians are pushing ahead, flushing tax money down the toilet.

Then there is the City of Vancouver’s preposterous push for a 12 kilometre, underground SkyTrain line to UBC. It is by far the most expensive transit option they could have dreamed up – coming in at $3 billion, for which they expect federal, provincial and TransLink taxpayers to pick up the tab.

It’s all part of Vancouver’s plan to become “the world’s greenest city.” Taxpayers already shelling out for TransLink property taxes, gas taxes, parking taxes, tolls, fares and hydro taxes, should be the ones turning green – with nausea. SkyTrain is already an expensive transit technology, and putting it underground makes it even pricier.

Regional politicians get overly excited with the possibilities of going green – even when the perception doesn’t line up with reality. But it’s taxpayers who bear the brunt of these billions of dollars in costs.

Pursuant to Title 17 U.S.C. 107, other copyrighted work is provided for educational purposes, research, critical comment, or debate without profit or payment. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for your own purposes beyond the 'fair use' exception, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Views are those of authors and not necessarily those of Canada Free Press. Content is Copyright 1997-2015 the individual authors. Site Copyright 1997-2015 Canada Free Press.Com Privacy Statement